If you’re researching post-secondary education in Calgary, you’re probably thinking about more than just degrees. Cost, career opportunities, commute, housing, lifestyle and long-term employment prospects all matter.
Calgary offers a broad mix of universities, colleges, polytechnic education and skilled-trades pathways. Students can pursue traditional university degrees, applied diplomas, professional certificates, apprenticeships and career-focused training, often with strong connections to local employers.
For families relocating to Calgary, post-secondary choice can also influence where to live. Communities near the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, SAIT and downtown colleges offer very different housing, transit and lifestyle options.
Universities in Calgary
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is one of Canada’s major research universities and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.
Areas of strength include:
- engineering
- energy
- business through the Haskayne School of Business
- health sciences
- nursing
- environmental and sustainability research
Located in northwest Calgary, the university has strong connections to the city’s energy, technology, healthcare and business sectors.
Nearby communities: Brentwood, Varsity, University Heights, Montgomery and Banff Trail.
These areas are popular with students and families because of campus access, transit, shopping and proximity to Foothills Medical Centre and Alberta Children’s Hospital.
Mount Royal University
Mount Royal University is located in southwest Calgary and offers a more undergraduate-focused experience with smaller classes and strong instructor interaction.
Popular program areas include:
- business
- aviation
- nursing and health sciences
- education
- criminal justice
- communications and journalism
Many MRU programs include internships, practicums or other applied-learning components that help students build work experience before graduation.
Nearby communities: Lincoln Park, Garrison Green, Currie Barracks, Glamorgan and Lakeview.
These neighbourhoods offer a mix of condos, townhomes and detached homes with relatively convenient access to Crowchild Trail and Glenmore Trail.
St. Mary’s University
St. Mary’s University offers a smaller, more intimate university environment in south Calgary.
It is known for:
- liberal arts
- smaller class sizes
- community-focused learning
- a close-knit campus environment
This can appeal to students who prefer a smaller institution and more direct interaction with faculty.
Colleges & Polytechnic Education in Calgary
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
SAIT is one of Calgary’s best-known polytechnic institutions and is especially strong for practical, career-focused education.
Program areas include:
- skilled trades
- information technology
- business
- culinary arts
- aviation
- transportation
- applied technology
SAIT emphasizes hands-on learning and close ties to industry, with many programs including practicum, lab or work-integrated experience.
Its location just northwest of downtown also makes it convenient for students who want strong transit access and proximity to Calgary’s business core.
Nearby communities: Capitol Hill, Hillhurst, Sunnyside, Mount Pleasant and Beltline.
Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College is located in downtown Calgary and focuses on practical, workforce-oriented education.
Popular areas include:
- health care aide
- early childhood education
- business administration
- foundational learning
- upgrading
- career-focused certificates and diplomas
Its central location can be especially convenient for students relying on transit.
Trades & Apprenticeship Programs
Not every student wants a four-year degree, and Calgary offers strong alternatives.
Students interested in trades may explore programs in:
- electrical
- plumbing
- welding
- HVAC
- heavy equipment
- automotive
- construction
- industrial technology
SAIT is one of the main training institutions for trades and apprenticeship education in the Calgary region.
For many students, these pathways can lead directly into employment and provide a strong alternative to traditional university study.
Career-Focused Programs & Local Industry Connections
One of Calgary’s biggest advantages is the connection between post-secondary education and local industries.
Major employment sectors include:
- energy
- technology
- finance
- healthcare
- construction
- logistics
- agriculture
- professional services
Students may find internships, co-op placements, practicums and entry-level opportunities locally after graduation.
That industry connection is one of the reasons many families consider Calgary not just a place to study, but a place to build a long-term career.
Student Housing in Calgary
Housing is one of the biggest considerations for students and families planning post-secondary education in Calgary.
Common options include:
- on-campus residence
- off-campus apartments
- shared rentals
- basement suites
- living at home
Near the University of Calgary
Popular nearby areas include Brentwood, Varsity and University Heights.
These communities offer strong transit access and a mix of condos, apartments and detached homes.
Near SAIT
Students often look at Capitol Hill, Hillhurst, Sunnyside, downtown and Beltline.
Near Mount Royal University
Popular options include Lincoln Park, Garrison Green, Currie Barracks, Glamorgan and Lakeview.
Approximate Student Housing Costs
Housing costs vary significantly by neighbourhood, building type and market conditions, so the figures below should be treated as broad planning ranges rather than fixed prices.
| Housing type | Approximate monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Shared room / shared housing | $500–$800 |
| One-bedroom apartment | $1,100–$1,600 |
| Two-bedroom apartment split between students | $700–$1,000 per student |
| Modern condo rental | $1,300–$2,000 |
| Living at home | Often considerably lower |
Students should also budget for utilities, internet, transportation, food and parking where applicable.
Is Calgary a Good City for Students?
For many students, Calgary offers a strong balance of education, career opportunity and lifestyle.
Potential advantages include:
- recognized universities and colleges
- strong local employment sectors
- access to internships and practical training
- major transit corridors
- outdoor recreation
- proximity to the Rocky Mountains
- a range of housing options
Calgary also offers a lifestyle that can appeal to students who want both urban amenities and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Choosing a Post-Secondary School in Calgary
When comparing schools, consider:
- program quality
- tuition and fees
- commute
- housing
- transit
- internships
- career outcomes
- campus size
- class structure
- student support
The best institution is not necessarily the largest or most prestigious. It is the one that matches the student’s academic goals, learning style and future plans.
Moving to Calgary for Post-Secondary Education
For some families, post-secondary education becomes part of a broader relocation decision.
Living near campus can reduce commute time and make student life easier, while living farther away may offer more housing choice or better long-term value.
If you are moving to Calgary for university, college or trades training, it can help to compare:
- school location
- transit access
- nearby communities
- housing types
- commute times
- home prices
- long-term resale potential
Final Thoughts
Calgary offers a wide range of post-secondary options, from university degrees and college diplomas to polytechnic education and skilled trades.
Students can choose from institutions such as the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, SAIT, Bow Valley College and smaller specialized schools, depending on their academic and career goals.
For families relocating to Calgary, the right school and the right neighbourhood often go hand in hand. If you are planning a move and want help comparing communities near Calgary’s post-secondary institutions, I can help you look at housing, transit, commute times and current real estate options.
Frequently Asked Questions about Post Secondary Education in Calgary
Calgary offers universities, polytechnic institutes, colleges and skilled trades programs. Students can pursue degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeship training.
The main universities in Calgary are the University of Calgary, Mount Royal (MRU) and St. Mary’s University. Both offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Bow Valley College are the primary colleges offering diplomas, certificates and trades training programs.
Yes. Calgary offers strong industry connections, employment opportunities, outdoor lifestyle access and a lower cost of living compared to many major Canadian cities.
Yes. SAIT offers a wide variety of apprenticeship and trades programs, including electrician, plumber, welder and heavy equipment technician training.
Calgary offers comparable academic programs with lower housing costs and strong employment prospects, especially in trades, engineering, healthcare and business.
Major industries include energy, technology, healthcare, finance, logistics and skilled trades.
Communities near the University of Calgary include Brentwood, Varsity, Banff Trail, University Heights, Charleswood, Collingwood, Dalhousie, and Montgomery. These northwest communities are very popular for students, professors, and real estate investors due to their proximity to campus and transit.
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Communities near SAIT include Mount Pleasant, Capitol Hill, Banff Trail, Tuxedo Park, Winston Heights, and Crescent Heights. These inner city communities are popular due to their short commute to SAIT and downtown.
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Communities near Mount Royal University include Lincoln Park, Garrison Green, Lakeview, Altadore, Glamorgan, Signal Hill, and Currie. These southwest communities offer a range of housing options and quick access to Mount Royal.
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Bow Valley College is located in downtown Calgary. Nearby communities include East Village, Beltline, Inglewood, Bridgeland, Renfrew, and Crescent Heights. These communities are popular with students and young professionals who want to live close to downtown.
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